Tips for Finding the Best Consumer Deals Throughout the Year

BMO Harris Bank Shares Month-by-Month Tips

INDIANAPOLIS, IN--(Marketwire - Dec 28, 2012) - Don't worry that you may have missed the year's best deals because you didn't buy that big screen TV on Black Friday. Or that you will pay too much to replace your refrigerator that just went kaput. Retailers will tell you that there are great deals throughout the year if you know when to look.

As part of BMO Harris Bank's commitment to "Making Money Make Sense," and with help from the National Retail Federation*, here is a month-by-month breakdown of historically when you may find the best deals.

January - The first month of the year is a great time to pick up linens and winter clothes.February - Pining for a big screen TV to watch the big game? Watch for specials just before game day. The first several days of the month are a great time to buy Valentine-themed gifts such as jewelry and fragrances.March - Spring and summer clothing choices are at their peak.April - Fashions for spring are already beginning to be marked down.May - Early in the month be sure to look for Mother's Day specials.June - Nearly everything a father or recent grad could want is promoted in June. Appliance makers are beginning to introduce their new models; you may save some bucks if you purchase last year's model.July - With summer in full swing, retailers offer plenty of sales and clearance promotions.August - It seems that everyone has school supplies and 'all things college' available this month.September - Retailers are beginning to clear out their summer merchandise. New car models are rolling in and you may be able to negotiate a favorable deal if you buy a current-year vehicle. October - Although not known as a big SALE month, you may find a sweet price on an outdoor grill as retailers are clearing out their remaining stock to make way for holiday items.November - Are your floors looking shabby? This may be the month to replace your carpet and flooring, just in time for the holidays. To help with your holiday cooking, disposable bakeware is plentiful.December - If you've been watching prices throughout the year, you'll know if a Black Friday or Cyber Monday special is a great deal. This has typically been a good month to buy winter apparel, home décor, or a computer.

"With a little bit of research and patience, savings can be found throughout the year, and a few dollars saved each month can add up toward future important purchases or long term financial goals," said Tim Massey, Indiana, Regional President, BMO Harris Bank.

For more information on budgeting and saving, visit: helpful steps or stop by your local BMO Harris branch.

About BMO Harris Bank Based in Chicago, BMO Harris Bank N.A. provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through over 600 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the U.S. Deposit and loan products and services provided by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank(SM) is a trade name used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a North American financial organization with 1,600 branches, and a retail deposit base of approximately $180 billion.

*Information has been used with permission from the National Retail Federation.